The Maldives will host three side events at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. These events, organized in collaboration with international partners, will showcase the Maldives’ efforts in renewable energy transition, coral reef conservation, and climate transparency
1. Paving the Way for a Just Energy Transition in the Maldives
This event, organized in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and International Solar Alliance (ISA), will highlight the Maldives’ achievements in renewable energy development and its commitment to a just energy transition. Key objectives include showcasing investment opportunities in renewable energy projects, particularly the planned development of the smart eco-city, Rasmale’. The event will also highlight the Maldives’ energy transition journey as a success story and promote financial and technical support for the actions outlined in the updated Energy Road Map. Discussions will focus on leveraging public-private partnerships and securing commitments from donors and financiers to advance the Maldives’ renewable energy targets
2. Maldives’ Experiences in Sustainable Coral Reef Management amidst Climate Change
This side event, hosted by the Maldives as the Chair of the Coalition on Atoll Nations on Climate Change (CANCC), will provide a platform to share national strategies and best practices in sustainable coral reef management. It aims to address the pressing challenges faced by low-lying atoll nations and foster collaboration among CANCC member states. The event will feature technical presentations from national experts on community-based reef management, scientific assessments of coral reef ecosystems, and resilience-building measures. By sharing innovative solutions, the event seeks to strengthen partnerships and identify actionable steps to enhance coral reef conservation and tackle climate-related challenges.
3. Sharing Experiences from the Maldives’ First Biennial Transparency Report Development
This side event will provide an overview of the Maldives’ journey in developing its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) by the 31st December 2024 deadline. Key lessons learned, challenges faced, and strategies for strengthening climate reporting and accountability under the Paris Agreement will be highlighted. As a vulnerable island nation on the frontlines of climate change, intends to utilize the BTR as a vital tool for tracking and reporting national progress in implementing its Nationally Determined Contribution as well as incorporating these institutional arrangements for integrated national planning and development. The event will delve into the coordination processes across various sectors, the methodologies applied, and the lessons learned during the development of the BTR. These insights aim to provide valuable guidance for other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and nations facing similar challenges.